Local restaurateur Luis Solis Delgado, 44, of Idyllwild, was arraigned in Riverside County Superior Court Tuesday, May 2. The Southwest Detention Center had set bail at $4 million but the district attorney’s (DA) office recommended $1 million and later filed for an increase to $5 million. Judge Timothy F. Freer approved this request. Solis Delgado remains in custody at the Southwest Detention Center.

He has retained private Attorney Alejo Lugo to represent him on eight felony sex charges involving two minor female children beginning in August 2015 and ending Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the day before he was arrested. One of the felonies has an enhancement that the victim was particularly vulnerable, which he has denied. He has pleaded not guilty to all eight felony charges. He faces life imprisonment if found guilty.

At the Felony Settlement Conference Monday, May 8, the two sides were unable to resolve the case. A Preliminary Hearing was then set for 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 12.

According to the DA’s website, “This is not a trial — but it is a hearing at which the judge determines if there is sufficient evidence to require the defendant to stand trial in superior court.”

Two items filed in court May 2 were a criminal protective order and a protective order for law enforcement body-worn camera evidence — the evidence of which was filed.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will not give any details on the arrest to the public until trial, citing an ongoing investigation.

Solis has been very involved in three restaurants in town for many years: Fratello’s, the Lumber Mill and Manzanita Cantina and Grill, and one recently, the Pine Cone Restaurant.

He works with many family members at the restaurant. His brother, Manny Solis, is owner of Mama Mia’s and Mama’s Egg House.

After the arrest, Manny Solis wrote on FaceBook May 1: “Hi guys, although I am not involved in ownership of all these businesses, I wanted to share a message with you regarding The Lumber Mill, Fratello’s, and Manzanita:

“As many of you know, there has been an incident regarding one of our business members. We understand your valid concerns, and while this incident currently involves only accusations and not convictions, we are taking this situation seriously.

“We want to inform you that immediate actions are being taken to completely remove Luis Solis from his share of ownership of The Lumber Mill Bar and Grill, Fratello’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, and Manzanita Cantina and Grill. As he was not the sole owner of any of these establishments, they will continue to be run by other members of the company. This will ensure that our employees, who are members of this community, friends, neighbors, and family, will continue to have employment to support themselves and their families.

“Additionally, Luis Solis has never had ownership, in part or in full, of Mama’s Egg House or Mama Mia’s Crepes and Dessert.”

Solis Delgado also served on the Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) board since January of this year. ICC President Stephanie Yost said, “ICC expects to continue to work with the family as food vendors. They just donated 300 very fancy cookies for the participants at the Easter egg hunt. I value their contribution at community events.”

When asked how he felt about the news of the arrest, Chris Johnston of Idyllwild said, “It’s definitely a stain on the community. I don’t know what to say.”